HHS and HRSA officials are ‘getting’ the concerns providers continue to have and express regarding Provider Relief Fund Reporting Requirements, and (as discussed below) they intend to ease some of these requirements, as well as to continue to consider who can be eligible for Phase 3 funds. See more below and stand by.
“Marks, Caryn (HHS/IEA)” <Caryn.Marks@hhs.gov>
Date: October 22, 2020 at 2:21:10 PM EDT
To: “Marks, Caryn (HHS/IEA)” <Caryn.Marks@hhs.gov>
Subject: HHS Expands Provider Relief Fund Eligibility and Updates Reporting Requirements
Dear Stakeholder:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing the latest Provider Relief Fund (PRF) application period has been expanded to include provider applicants such as residential treatment facilities, chiropractors, and eye and vision providers that have not yet received Provider Relief Fund distributions. These providers and all Phase 3 applicants will have until 11:59PM EST on November 6, 2020 to submit their applications for payment consideration
List of Eligible Practices and Types of Providers:
Today, HHS is expanding the pool of eligible Phase 3 applicants to include providers across a broad category of practices. Many providers who accept Medicare and Medicaid within these categories have already received a PRF payment, but others have not and HHS is working to ensure even more providers are able to receive Phase 3 funding. The list below includes eligible practices where providers may now apply for Phase 3 funding regardless of whether they accept Medicaid or Medicare.
– Behavioral Health Providers
– Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
– Dental Providers
– Assisted Living Facilities
– Chiropractors
– Nursing Service and Related Providers
– Hospice Providers
– Respiratory, Developmental, Rehabilitative and Restorative Service Providers
– Emergency Medical Service Providers
– Hospital Units
– Residential Treatment Facilities
– Laboratories
– Ambulatory Health Care Facilities
– Eye and Vision Services Providers
– Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers
– Nursing & Custodial Care Facilities
– Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Service Providers
Updated Reporting Requirements:
In response to concerns raised, HHS is amending the reporting instructions to increase flexibility around how providers can apply PRF money toward lost revenues attributable to coronavirus. After reimbursing healthcare related expenses attributable to coronavirus that were unreimbursed by other sources, providers may use remaining PRF funds to cover any lost revenue, measured as a negative change in year-over-year actual revenue from patient care related sources.
Links to Information:
Press Release can be found here
A policy memorandum on the reporting requirement decision can be found here – PDF.
*The amended reporting requirements guidance can be found here – PDF.
*For updates and to learn more about the Provider Relief Program, visit: hhs.gov/providerrelief.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Best, Caryn Caryn MarksU.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesOffice of the SecretaryPolicy Advisor, Intergovernmental Affairs202-260-6179 (office)301-691-8714 (cell)Caryn.marks@hhs.gov |